PUTERA 1MALAYSIA CLUB TO OPEN FIRST OVERSEAS BRANCH IN AUSTRALIA

From Siti Zubaidah Abdullah

BRISBANE, Jan 31 (Bernama) -- The Putera 1Malaysia Club, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that aims to unite the youths and work on useful national projects, plans to open its first overseas branch in Australia.

Its chairman, Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim said the setting up of the branch was in line with the club's social commitment and humanitarian mission which transcended boundaries.

"We are building on the tremendous success of our humanitarian mission overseas," he told Malaysian journalists at a dinner hosted by the club for Malaysian citizens, including students at Hawken Drive, St.Lucia here Sunday night.

The Putera 1Malaysia Club was noted for providing humanitarian aid in Gaza, which was under the Israeli blockade and Pakistan during the recent floods by dispatching volunteers comprising medical specialists, students and journalists.

Abdul Azeez, who is leading the Putera 1Malaysia Club's four-day
humanitarian mission in the flood-hit Queensland, said the club would be able to protect the interests and welfare of some 2,000 Malaysian students and their families in Australia.

He anticipated the Australian branch of the club would be launched during the Prime Minister Najib Razak's visit to Australia in March.

Abdul Aziz commended the Malaysian High Commission and the Malaysian Students Department (MSD) in Australia for being proactive in carrying out welfare efforts during the recent floods in Queensland which affected Malaysian citizens, including students.

He also commended Malaysian students for setting a good example by being the first group of students to set up a flood relief committee.

In welcoming the setting up of the Australian branch of the Putera 1Malaysia Club, MSD education attache Zaharuddin Shamsuddin said the club's efforts and commitment in assisting Malaysian students in their hours of need was greatly appreciated.